Mon Sep 01 05:28:14 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Sounders Dominate Messi’s Miami in Leagues Cup Final, Suarez Accused of Spitting Incident**

**Seattle, WA -** The Seattle Sounders secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, in the 2025 Leagues Cup final on Sunday at Lumen Field. The win, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of 69,314, marks Seattle’s second Concacaf title and ninth major trophy since joining MLS in 2009. However, the celebratory atmosphere was marred by a post-game incident allegedly involving Miami striker Luis Suarez.

Alex Roldan was the star of the show for Seattle, converting a late penalty and providing a crucial assist for Osaze De Rosario’s opening goal in the 26th minute. Paul Rothrock added a third goal in the dying moments, sealing the victory and guaranteeing Seattle a first-round bye in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The Sounders dominated the first half, taking a deserved lead when Roldan’s pinpoint cross found De Rosario for a well-placed header. Miami had opportunities to equalize early in the second half, with Suarez instrumental in setting up chances for Messi and Tadeo Allende, both of which went begging.

The turning point came in the 82nd minute when Sounders substitute Georgi Minoungou was brought down in the box, earning Seattle a penalty. Roldan calmly slotted the spot-kick past Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, doubling the lead and sending the home crowd into raptures.

However, the match ended on a sour note as a post-game melee erupted between players from both teams. Video footage appeared to show Suarez spitting at a member of the Seattle Sounders staff as the altercation subsided.

The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee, independent of both MLS and Liga MX, is expected to investigate the alleged incident. MLS could also potentially get involved.

While Seattle celebrated their first trophy since their 2022 Concacaf Champions League triumph, Miami failed to add another major trophy to their cabinet since Messi’s arrival. Despite the loss, Miami is guaranteed a Concacaf spot next year, though they will have to begin in the first round unless they win the 2025 MLS Cup.

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